He Found His Passion

Some people might get CDs, clothing or electronics for their birthdays. This year, Ben Winstead is poised to get an Associate degree. Ben didn't plan it, but he is expected graduate from the International Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa with his Associate of Science degree in Digital Production the week of his birthday.

Two years ago, Ben's birthday wasn't nearly as exciting. He was in his second year at a community college and going nowhere. He had no idea what he wanted to do and hadn't yet found any classes or subject matter that really intrigued him. Ben floated along a few more months until his brother-in-law, who worked at IADT - Tampa, brought Ben to the Academy's campus one day. Ben wandered around, visiting the school's various departments. When he started talking to the digital production teachers and students, Ben, for the first time, found himself getting excited about classes and possible careers.

Now in his last quarter at the Academy, Ben remains excited about digital production. While he is most interested in filmmaking, Ben decided on the Digital Production program rather than the Digital Movie Production major because he wanted to learn about audio in addition to video.

"When I started, I had very little audio knowledge and thought getting a degree that taught both would be best. I look at it as having even more to offer: I've learned all the video stuff I need to get a job, but, if for some reason that doesn't work out, I'll have my audio knowledge to fall back on." Ideally, Ben hopes to get a film editing job in Hollywood.

Last quarter, Ben got to put nearly everything he has learned at the Academy to use. He took a capstone course that required students to work together to make an entire movie. The class had to do everything from write the script to casting, filming, editing and even staging a premiere. Their movie, a dark comedy, entitled Dog Thief, was shown in front of an audience that included not only fellow students but also the department head and the Academy's president. Dog Thief received rave reviews.

Ben also had what he calls "the opportunity of a lifetime" a few weeks ago. Digital Production Chair Theresa Schmitt got Ben a five-day freelance job shooting for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

"I'm so glad to have found my passion as well as a school that is teaching me how to excel at it; some people never find either."